13 Sep 07
European-market versions of the new-generation Mitsubishi Lancer are on show in Frankfurt with 1.5- and 1.8-litre petrol engines and a Volkswagen-sourced 2.0-litre diesel.
The Lancer, which shares much of its underpinnings with the Outlander, has already gone on sale in North America, Russia and Japan. It is wider, taller and a little longer than the outgoing model, and will initially be offered in four-door saloon and five-door hatchback body styles.
Transmission options include five- and six-speed manual, five-speed auto and CVT gearboxes, and equipment will include side, curtain and driver's knee airbags, adaptive front headlights, auto wipers and a high-output Rockport Fosgate sound system.
The Lancer we've all been waiting for, however, is the Evolution X. Mitsubishi hasn't revealed the final production version of this as yet, but is showing again the Prototype-X concept car first seen in Detroit in January.
Mitsubishi is also showing its self-developed new series of diesel engines, due to be available in 2009, which meet the imminent EU5 emissions legislation. The first of these low-CO2 units is claimed to have a class-topping power output, thanks to a new turbocharger and high-efficiency combustion characteristics. It's fitted in the Concept-cX, with a capacity of 1.8 litres and an output of 136bhp and 207lb-ft of torque, in combination with a new twin-clutch automated manual gearbox and switchable four-wheel drive.
Check out the rest of our Frankfurt Motor Show coverage
